How the Classic Casino Game of Slots Originated

The history of slots began in 1895 when Charles Fey invented the slot machine. This machine consisted of three reels, each having ten playing cards for symbols. He further revolutionized the history of slots in 1907 with the Liberty Bell, a heavy cast iron machine, with an ornate case, toes, feet, and a bell. The basic design of this slot machine and its familiar bell is the predecessor to today’s slots and holds a permanent place in the history of slots.

In 1910, the history of slots moved forward when Charles Fey and the Mills Novelty Company introduced the Operator Bell. This slot machine featured the widely recognized fruit symbols, which replaced the original playing cards. The history of slots continued with the introduction of a quieter machine, the Silent Bell and a double jackpot. The period of cast iron in the history of slots ended in 1915 with wood cabinets replacing many of the heavier and bulkier machines. More changes came along in the history of slots with the concept of new and colorful cabinet designs. The first of these thematic innovations was the Lion Head in 1931, and then came the War Eagle and the Roman Head, and in 1933, it was the Castle Front. As slots became more and more attractive, more and more players were lured to them.

In the early 1930s, the Mills Company decided to make slots even more memorable by introducing a series of colorful and striking cabinet designs, each with its own theme. The first in early 1931 was the Lion Head. In late 1931, it was the War Eagle and the Roman Head, and in 1933, it was the Castle Front. Another innovation came along in the history of slots in the mid-1900’s, with the introduction of Big Bertha and Super Big Bertha, the first slots driven by a machine. These slots had eight reels, with 20 symbols on each. The history of slots surged further ahead in the mid-1940’s when playing the slots took on added appeal. These were the days of big spenders and gangsters; when Bugsy Siegel first brought them to the Flamingo Hotel, the casinos were filled with noise and excitement.

Slots require no special knowledge or experience; they are simple and fun to play. The history of slots has now evolved to include the Internet, but the flashing lights and the ringing bells will always be the real fascination of slots.